Centre to host the XVIth Quark Confinement and the Hadron Spectrum Conference

The Cairns Convention Centre will welcome more than 500 global scientists and experts in the field of strong interactions when it hosts the XVIth Quark Confinement and the Hadron Spectrum Conference from 19th to 24th August 2024.

This conference, a significant event in the physics community, is organised by the Centre for the Subatomic Structure of Matter, University of Adelaide, Australia. Inaugurated in 1994 in Como, Italy, this conference series has evolved into a vital forum for scientists engaged in strong interactions. It fosters stimulating exchanges among theorists and experimentalists, as well as across various related fields. The Cairns event marks the sixteenth edition of this influential series.

The conference aims to unite experts working on strong interactions from diverse perspectives to answer the most fundamental and important questions in particle physics, such as how 99.9 percent of the visible mass in the universe is concentrated in the atoms or how do we understand Dark matter and Dark energy that they together make up the 95 percent of the universe? The physicists come together from all over the world to understand the universe in terms of its smallest constituents to improve our knowledge of nature. The event will also delve into the interface between QCD, nuclear physics, astrophysics, and the broader realm of strongly coupled physics. A special focus will be on the interplay between QCD and the physics of condensed matter and strongly correlated systems, highlighting their mutual benefits and interactions.

Cairns Convention Centre was chosen due to its strong partnerships with the scientific community as well as its world class facilitates, which include the recent opening of the AUD$176 million expansion, providing a total of 10,500 square meters of new floor space. The attendees will also have the opportunity to experience the destination's unique local culture and heritage as well as its stunning natural setting, which encourages scientific exploration and creativity.

"Hosting such a high-profile scientific conference less than a year after our new expansion opened demonstrates our appeal as a venue dedicated to knowledge sharing, community engagement and education," comments Janet Hamilton General Manager of Cairns Convention Centre. "We are excited to be welcoming the event as it celebrates its 30th anniversary."

Dr. Ayse Kizilersu from the University of Adelaide, School of Physical Sciences, who is leading on the organisation of the event added: "We are delighted to be heading to Cairns in August. Both the venue and destination offer incredible appeal to our delegates, ensuring a high level of attendance from around the world. This year's event promises to be our best yet and I look forward to welcoming our community when they arrive in Cairns."

For more information about the XVIth Quark Confinement and the Hadron Spectrum Conference visit: confinement24 website.